Scenic Railway to Leura Forest

4 hrs 30 mins

6.7 km Return

622 m

Moderate track

Any walk that begins with a trip on the world’s steepest railway is bound to be exciting, but its the tranquility of Leura Forest that makes this walk extra special. From the bottom of the Scenic Railway, this walk goes through the cool forest at the base of the cliffs, until reaching Leura Forest. This is a great spot to relax and enjoy the serenity of a day in the bush before returning back along the bush track.

Scenic World

Scenic World is one of the most renowned tourist attractions of Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. Located on the cliffs of the Jamison Valley , visitors can enjoy a ride on the Scenic Railway (the world’s steepest incline railway) or the Scenic Cableway, into the Jamison Valley, and explore the Scenic Walkway from the base. Alternatively, the Scenic Skyway offers a bird’s eye view over the valley, with a glass floor to enhance the experience. Scenic World also features a revolving restaurant, a cafe and a kiosk, in addition to the documentary theatre and souvenir shop. Rides can be purchased, starting from for adults and for children, and combination or family passes are available. More info.

(0km) Scenic World → Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)

300 m

26 mins

8m

-210m

Very easy

From Scenic World, this walk goes down the cliffs using the Scenic Railway. Hang on tight! This 415m-long journey is the world’s steepest railway. At the bottom, the track comes to a great viewing platform of the valley. Use of the railway costs for adults and for children one-way. Last train normally at 4:45pm (opens at 9am) More info.

Easy track

Turn right: From the Scenic Railway Platform, this walk heads north-east (keeping the valley on the right), soon passing through the gate signposted ‘Blue Mountains National Park’, and then along the bush track. This goes along the flat, next to the cliffs, until reaching the bottom of a set of stairs on the left, signposted as the ‘Furber Steps’.

Easy track

Continue straight: From the bottom of Furber steps, this walk follows the sign to ‘Katoomba Falls View’ keeping the handrail on the right. The walk goes along the flat and very well-managed bush track and passes a signposted ‘Turpentine Tree’ on the right. Soon after the Turpentine Tree, the track comes to the base of Katoomba Falls, at a place known as ‘Cooks Crossing’. There is a metal bridge that crosses the falls just past the picnic table.

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the base of Katoomba Falls, the walk crosses the creek along the metal footbridge and joins up with the track on the other side. The track starts to turn to the right, winding along Federal Pass walking track, under the cliffs. At several points, the walk passes some notable rock formations and caves embedded in the cliffs. In addition, there are occasional good views that are not shrouded by the trees. The track continues in this manner for some time, and then passes ‘under the (three) sisters’

(clearly signposted). After passing under this rock formation, the track turns to the left and climbs slightly up to a seat and an intersection signposted with ‘Dardanelles Pass’ and ‘Federal Pass’ signs.

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Federal Pass’ – ‘Leura Forest’ sign (the lower track), keeping the main cliff face on the left. This track heads steadily downhill until flattening out and continuing generally north-east. The environment surrounding the bush track at this point is quite dense and, while very pretty, it is difficult to see views of the surrounding area, although there are occasional glimpses of Sublime Point Service Trail on the right. Soon before Leura Forest, the track is flat and passes over a small creek. Leura Forest is a shaded picnic area with several tables and a large pergola.

Leura Forest

Leura Forest is a great picnic area in the Jamison Valley at the junction of the Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks. This place was home to a popular tea house (also known as ‘Lady Carrington Dining Hall’) from the late 1800’s

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-srtlf
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.